Donald J. Regan

Donald J. Regan, 92 of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake. Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday, January 8th from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be led by the Knights of Columbus. Burial will be in the Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery, rural Webster, ND. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. Donald Joseph, son of Thomas and Bertha (Melvie) Regan was born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1923 in Devils Lake. He grew up on the family farm in rural Webster, ND. He attended St. Mary’s Academy and graduated from Devils Lake Central High School with the class of 1940. He farmed with his Uncle Ned Regan until entering the United States Marine Corp on January 11, 1945 and served his country during World War II. He was in Quantico, VA for Boot Camp then served on a carrier as a gunner in Okinawa, Japan. He was honorably discharged on July 2, 1946 with the rank of Private First Class. He returned to Webster where he farmed the rest of his life. Donald found love at the age of 68 years and was united in marriage to Marie (Sullivan) Daley on November 23, 1991 in California. Marie was a nursing school classmate of Donald’s sister-in-law Helen Regan. Along with a bride, Donald was happy to welcome 5 step children and many grandchildren into his life. Marie died in 2013. Donald wintered many years in California and after marriage and with increasing health problems, he eventually spent a majority of the year in California, returning to North Dakota for brief visits. In February of 2015, Donald came back to Webster and Devils Lake to be closer to family. Donald’s passion was farming but whenever possible he loved to travel. He and his bachelor friend Dennis Kitsch traveled the world and shared those once in a lifetime adventures with family and friends. Donald was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Webster, a life member of the Knights of Columbus and also enjoyed membership in the VFW and the Elks and Eagles Lodges. He is survived by his brother Glen Regan, Webster; sister Catherine “Molly” Regan, Grand Forks; nieces and nephews Tim (Agnes) Regan, George Regan, Nancy (Maurice) Pescion, Jill (Dave) Koehn, Diane Regan and Colleen (Curtis) Schuler; many great nieces and great nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Marie; siblings Harold, Tom, twins Norman and Norma Regan, Margaret Frye and Charles in infancy. Urn Bearers will be great nephews Ryan Regan, Aaron Gunn, Brent Pescion, James Koehn, Jacob Koehn and Alex Schuler. Reading the Scriptures will be great nieces Talice Longie and Ashley Regan. Gift Bearers will be great nieces Ana Koehn, Angela Retzer, Melissa Gunn, Staci Pescion and Jordan Koehn. Music will be provided by Kevin Regan and Audrey Myklebust.